Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Overview

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, continues through adolescence, and often persists into adulthood. About 5 to 7% of children in the United States have ADHD, and similar rates have been found in countries all over the world. ADHD is characterized by a lack of ability to pay attention; struggles with keeping still or quiet; and impulsiveness that can interfere with school, work and relationships.

Research suggests that ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Scientists are working to uncover more details about the specific genes involved and the contributing environmental factors, but they have established that genetics play a powerful role – in fact, some studies suggest ADHD is as heritable as height.

Environmental factors that increase the likelihood of developing ADHD include prenatal exposure to nicotine or alcohol, premature birth or low birth weight, and exposure to lead or other toxins. While the ways someone was parented and taught didn’t cause their ADHD, both can impact the severity of the person's symptoms.

Our approach to ADHD

UCSF is a leader in providing advanced and compassionate mental health care for people of all ages and backgrounds. We’re one of the top 10 hospitals in the nation for adult psychiatric care, according to the annual ranking by U.S. News & World Report, and as part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, our world-renowned neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroscientists work as a team to swiftly translate research discoveries into new and better treatments for patients.

Not everyone with ADHD has all symptoms of the disorder. Some people may only have symptoms related to attention, while others – usually young children – may only have symptoms related to hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Hence there are three presentations of ADHD (categorized by the type and number of symptoms the person has): the predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation and combined presentation.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD

• Makes careless-seeming mistakes or struggles with details
• Has difficulty sustaining attention
• Doesn't seem to listen when directly spoken to
• Has difficulty following instructions or starts tasks but doesn’t finish them
• Has difficulty staying organized
• Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Loses things often Is easily distracted Is forgetful